ai4bharat/Pralekha huggingface dataset:
Ministry of Agriculture &
Farmers Welfare
Samuel Praveen Kumar stresses need to reorient the research in agricultural extension towards national priorities and focus on applied research
MANAGE to Award Best Agricultural Extension Research
National Institute for Agricultural Extension Management , Hyderabad gave Awards to Best Post-Graduate Thesis, Best Ph.D., Thesis and Best Books in Agricultural Extension today at the 3rd MANAGE Agricultural Extension Award - 2022 ceremony. In each category, first, second and third prizes were given to 3 post-graduate students, 3 Ph.D., scholars and 21 authors of books.
Shri Samuel Praveen Kumar, Joint Secretary , Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Govt. of India presented awards to the winners and addressed the gathering. He stressed need to reorient the research in agricultural extension towards national priorities and focus on applied research to address farmers’ challenges. Dr.P.Chandra Shekara, Director General, MANAGE stated that the selection of research topics in agricultural extension should deal with field level problems and research should find solutions to those problems. He assured that MANAGE Awards would motivate many students, researchers and academia to produce high quality and relevant thesis and books in Agricultural Extension which address field level agricultural challenges. The program is coordinated by Dr. N. Balasubramani, Director , MANAGE.
For the Awards-2022, MANAGE received 46 Post-Graduation thesis, 43 Ph.D. thesis and 30 Books from all over the country. A jury consisting of 27 eminent subject experts in the country evaluated the thesis and books on a predetermined criteria. The award winning thesis deal with current and field level issues such as natural farming practices, direct benefit transfer to farmers, farming youtubers, marketing in vegetables, social ecology of conservation agriculture, ecological services and the award winning books cover agricultural and animal husbandry extension, entrepreneurship development and pig farming.
Ministry of Rural Development
Clarifications of Union Rural Development Ministry on budget cut to MGNREGA
In different media reports, a concern has been raised that the Union Budget has allocated Rs 60,000 crore for the MGNREGA scheme for 2023-24, which is 18% lower than the Rs 73,000 crore budget estimates of 2022-23. This may affect the rural job employment scheme Mahatma Gandhi NREGA to achieve its objective of providing wage employment against the demand from the rural households. This is far from truth.
Mahatma Gandhi NREGA is a demand driven Scheme. Any household demanding employment shall be provided at least 100 days of unskilled manual work in a financial year in accordance with the Scheme. During the current FY 2022-23, a total of 99.81% rural households have been offered wage employment against their demand for work. If an applicant for employment under the Scheme is not provided such employment within fifteen days of receipt, he shall be entitled to a daily unemployment allowance.
The person days generation during last three years and current financial year so far is as under:
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FY 2022-2023
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FY 2021-2022
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FY 2020-2021
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FY 2019-2020
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Person days Generated [In Cr]
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248.08
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363.33
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389.09
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265.35
This reflects that the generation of person days depends upon the demand for the works.
Release of funds to the States/UTs is a continuous process.
During past years, following releases have been made to the States/UTs
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S. No.
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Financial Year
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Budget Estimate

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Revised Estimate

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Fund released 
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1
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2014-15
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34000.00
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33000.00
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32977.43
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2
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2015-16
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34699.00
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37345.95
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37340.72
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3
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2016-17
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38500.00
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48220.26
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48219.05
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4
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2017-18
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48000.00
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55167.06
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55166.06
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5
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2018-19
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55000.00
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61830.09
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61829.55
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6
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2019-20
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60000.00
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71001.81
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71687.71
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7
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2020-21
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61500.00
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111500.00
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111170.86
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8
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2021-22
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73000.00
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98000.00
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98467.85
In the FY 2019-20 BE was Rs.60,000 crore which got revised to Rs.71,001 crore, for the FY 2020-21 BE was 61,500 crore which increased at RE to Rs.1,11,500 crore and for the FY 2021-22 the BE of Rs.73,000 crore has revised to Rs.98,000 crore. Therefore, it can be seen that the actual releases to the States have been much higher than that provided for at the BE level. Even during the current financial year 2022-23, the BE has been Rs.73,000 crore, which has been revised to Rs.89,400 crore. From the perusal of the above, it is inferred that previous release has no bearing on the requirement for funds for next year.
Whenever, additional fund is required, Ministry of Finance is requested to provide the funds. Govt. of India is committed to release funds for wage and material payments for proper implementation of the scheme, as per the provisions of the act and guidelines applicable for Central Government as well as State Governments.
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Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas
Shri Hardeep S. Puri calls on the President of Guyana, Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali
Both the leaders agree on direct Government to Government cooperation across the entire spectrum of oil & gas sector
The Minister of Petroleum & Natural Gas and Housing & Urban Affairs, Shri Hardeep S. Puri called on the President of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana, Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, here today.
Shri Hardeep S. Puri calling on the President of Guyana, Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali
The discussion on increasing cooperation across the entire oil & gas ecosystem was fruitful and engaging. Both sides noted the synergies which exist between the two countries.
The two sides took note of the recent developments in bilateral energy partnership which included the meeting of Shri Hardeep Puri with Mr. Vickram Bharrat, Minister for Natural Resources, Guyana on the sidelines of ADIPEC-2022 in Abu Dhabi on 31st October 2022 and the visit of Indian Energy PSUs to Guyana in August 2022.
The leaders agreed on direct Government to Government cooperation across the entire spectrum of the oil & gas sector including increased long-term offtake, participation in exploration and production activities in Guyana, technical cooperation in the midstream and downstream sector and capacity building.
The leaders agreed to set up two technical teams to take forward these discussions. The contours of future cooperation would be finalized during the visit of Vice President of Guyana, Mr. Bharrat Jagdeo to India in February 2023.
The leaders also witnessed the signing of a contract between Guyana Power and Gas Inc.  and Engineers India Limited  for providing Consultancy Services for Integrated NGL Plant and 300 MW CCGT Power Plant project in Guyana.
Ministry of Micro,Small & Medium Enterprises
From 14th January, Devotees at Kashi Vishwanath Temple to Wear “Khadi Handmade Paper Slippers"
The devotees visiting the Kashi Vishwanath Temple in Varanasi and hundreds of temple workers will no longer need to enter the temple premises barefoot. Starting 14th January, Khadi and Village Industries Commission  is beginning the sale of Khadi handmade paper “Use & Throw” slippers for the use of the devotees and the workers. The Khadi handmade paper slippers will be sold from the Khadi sales outlet located at the parking lot of the Kashi Vishwanath Corridor. The handmade paper slippers can be purchased at a nominal price of Rs 50 per pair. The slippers will be sold by Kashi Hastkala Pratisthan, a registered Khadi Institution in Varanasi. The handmade paper slipper manufacturing unit will be inaugurated by the Mahant of Kashi Vishwanath Temple on Makar Sankranti; i.e. on 14th January, 2022.
The development comes in wake of the jute slippers sent by the Prime Minister for the workers of Kashi Vishwanath Temple after he learnt that most of the people working at the temple performed their duty barefoot. It is forbidden to wear footwear made of leather or rubber on the temple premises. The entire workforce of the temple including the priests, security guards, sanitation workers and people performing seva have to abide by this rule.
Chairman KVIC, Shri Vinai Kumar Saxena said the “use & throw” slippers made of handmade paper will maintain the sanctity of the temple and at the same time will also save devotees from heat and cold during harsh weather conditions. Also, these slippers will prevent any kind of pollution as they are made of natural fibres. “These handmade paper slippers will uphold the sanctity of the temple. These slippers are made of 100% eco-friendly material. The use of these slippers in temple premises will also create sustainable employment for Khadi artisans. KVIC will be selling these slippers from 14th January,” Saxena said.
Notably, Khadi’s handmade paper “use & throw” slippers have been developed for the first time in India. These handmade paper slippers are 100% eco-friendly and cost-effective. The Handmade paper used in making these slippers is completely wood-free and made of natural fibres like Cotton & Silk rags and agro waste and hence, suitable for use in places of worship. It is also effective from the hygiene point of view. These slippers have been developed by KVIC with the objective of supporting the handmade paper industry and creating sustainable employment for artisans.
Ministry of Agriculture &
Farmers Welfare
Shri Narendra Singh Tomar meets Dr Luis Miguel Etchevehere, State Secretary of Agro-industry of the Argentina
Shri Narendra Singh Tomar, Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare met Dr Luis Miguel Etchevehere, State Secretary of Agro-industry of the Argentine Republic in New Delhi, today. During the meeting, it was discussed that the Working Sub-group on Animal and Plant Health shall strengthen Reciprocal Trade set up under the Work Plan signed in February, 2019. This will be instrumental in channelizing and expediting the cooperation in identified areas.
Shri Narendra Singh Tomar expressed happiness on the conclusion of sanitary and phyto-sanitary approvals for export of guar and millet from India to Argentina and lemons and chia seeds from Argentina to India. He said that both sides should continue to work towards providing market access to other agricultural products of interest to each other.
Shri Tomar also expressed the need to increase bilateral cooperation in exchange of technology to increase productivity, reduce post-harvest losses and to develop climate resilient varieties. In order to reduce food losses and wastage, he suggested collaboration with Argentina in improved Agronomic practices, storage technology and processing.
Cabinet
Relief for the persons in J&K residing in areas adjoining International Border
Can avail reservation in recruitment in Jobs, Promotion and Admission to professional courses
Cabinet approves the Jammu and Kashmir Reservation  Bill, 2019
To be introduced in both the Houses of Parliament
In keeping with its pro people initiatives and specially for those at the last mile of development, Union Cabinet under the chairmanship of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has cleared the decks for approval of "The Jammu and Kashmir Reservation  Bill, 2019". The Bill will be introduced in both the Houses of Parliament in the forthcoming session of the Parliament.
The Cabinet decision is a reflection of Prime Minister Modi’s vision of a pro people Government committed to SabkaSaath, SabkaVikaas and Sabka Vishwas.
Benefits:
The move will go a long way in providing relief to the persons in Jammu and Kashmir living in areas adjoining international border.
They can now avail reservation in direct recruitment, promotion and admission in different professional courses.
Implications:
The Billwill replace “The Jammu and Kashmir Reservation  Ordinance,2019” by amendments in the Jammu and Kashmir Reservation Act, 2004 and bringing persons residing in the areas adjoining International Border within the ambit of reservation at par with persons living in areas adjoining Actual Line of Control .
Background:
The people living in Jammu and Kashmir areas adjoining international border were not included in the ambit of the Jammu and Kashmir reservation Act, 2004 and Rules, 2005. It provides for reservation in direct recruitment, promotions and admission in different professional courses to various categories including residents of Areas adjoining Actual Line of Control. Therefore, they were not getting these benefits for a long time.
Due to continuous cross border tensions, persons living alongside International Border suffer from socio-economic and educational backwardness. Shelling from across the border often compels these residents to move to safer places and is adversely impacting their education as Educational Institutions remain closed for long periods.
Hence, it was felt justifiable to extend the reservation benefits to persons residing in the areas adjoining International Border on the similar lines of the persons living in areas adjoining Actual Line of Control .
During the President's Rule the powers of the State Assembly vest with the Parliament and hence it has been decided to replace the Jammu and Kashmir Reservation  Ordinance, 2019 with the Bill to be placed in both the Houses of Parliament.
Prime Minister's Office
PM asks the citizens to participate in Meri Maati Mera Desh campaign
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has wished the Meri Maati Mera Desh campaign all the success and expressed the hope that the 'Vatika' prepared by the soil from all over the country will realize the ideal of 'Ek Bharat Shreshth Bharat'
In reply to a tweet by the Union Minister Shri Amit Shah, the Prime Minister posted on X :
"बहुत-बहुत शुभकामनाएं! ‘मेरी माटी-मेरा देश’ अभियान हमारी एकता और अखंडता की भावना को और सशक्त करने वाला है। मुझे विश्वास है कि इसके तहत देशभर से जमा की गई मिट्टी से एक ऐसी अमृत वाटिका का निर्माण होगा, जो ‘एक भारत श्रेष्ठ भारत’ की कल्पना को साकार करेगा। आइए, इस 'अमृत कलश यात्रा' में बढ़-चढ़कर अपनी भागीदारी सुनिश्चित करें। "
Prime Minister's Office
PM to participate in ‘Grih Pravesham’ of more than 5 Lakh beneficiaries of PMAY-G in Madhya Pradesh on 29th March
This is another step towards PM’s endeavour to provide a pucca house to every needy family of the country
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi will participate in ‘Grih Pravesham’ of about 5.21 Lakh beneficiaries of Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojana - Gramin in Madhya Pradesh on 29th March at 12:30 PM via video conferencing. Prime Minister will also address the gathering on the occasion.
It has been a constant endeavour of the Prime Minister to provide a pucca house with all basic amenities to every needy family of the country. This marks yet another step in this direction.
The function will also witness traditional celebrations with conch, lamp, flowers and rangoli being organised in new houses across Madhya Pradesh.
The implementation of the PMAY-G in Madhya Pradesh is witnessing many unique and innovative steps like training thousands of masons including women masons, using fly ash bricks, empowering women self-help groups  by providing them with loans for centring material and using technology for better execution and monitoring of projects.
Ministry of Education
Two new KVs opened, one each in Karnataka and Punjab; announces Union Education Minister
Union Education Minister Shri Ramesh Pokhriyal ‘Nishank’ today announced opening of two new Kendriya Vidyalayas, oneeach in the state of Karnataka and Punjab. KV Sadalaga, Belagavi, Karnataka and KV IIT Ropar, Punjab will be two new addition to the family of KendriyaVidyalayaSangathan. With this the total number of KVs across the Country will raise to 1247.
Initially these two Vidyalayas will function with classes I to V and thereafter grow consequentially upto class XII. When these Vidyalayas start functioning in full capacity, around 1000 students of the area will be benefited in each school. The Admission process in both the Vidyalayas will start in the academic session 2021-22.
KV Sadalagais a Civil sector Vidyalaya and will start functioning in the building provided by the State Government till the construction of new building.
KV IIT Ropar will start functioning in its own building provided by the Institute.
KV Sadalagais in the Chikkodi Parliamentary constituency  of Karnataka, while KV IIT Ropar is in Anandpur Sahib Parliamentary Constituency  of Punjab.
From 20 schools in the year of establishment-1963, KVS now has 1247 schools in the year 2020-21 including 3 KVs abroad viz. Moscow, Kathmandu, Tehran. Total enrolment of students as on date is 1393668.
Ministry of Commerce & Industry
India will play an important role in ensuring cost-effective and innovative healthcare solutions for future: Shri Piyush Goyal
Shri Piyush Goyal addresses the Asia Health 2020 summit of Confederation of Indian Industry
Shri Piyush Goyal, Minister of Commerce & Industry has commended the hospitals, doctors & corona warriors, saying that they really deserve the highest accolades that we as a nation can offer them. Addressing the Asia Health 2020 summit of Confederation of Indian Industry, he said that their sacrifice will not go in vain.
Speaking about the COVID vaccine, Shri Goyal said that our home-grown vaccine is progressing at rapid speed but as the Prime Minister said, "Till the time we get a vaccine shot, we absolutely cannot be complacent about the pandemic".He said that the history will remember India's contribution in fight against pandemic. Describing the lockdown in the country as fully justified, he said that WHO has often said that lockdown in India truly helped the nation prepare itself for pandemic & ensured that Indians come out of pandemic relatively better than many other developed countries. The lockdown that India strictly enforced has been well recognised globally as a role model which has helped the country to record such wonderful recovery rate country.
Appreciating the CII’S efforts, Shri Goyal said that engagements such as Asia Health 2020 will help in germinating new ideas, coming up with new solutions to many problems of the country & also help develop proper last mile connectivity & delivery of vaccine when available. He added that We will work in a public-private partnership to engage & ensure the availability of proper COVID healthcare to over 1.3 billion Indians. This will ensure the success in the battles that lie ahead, he added. Shri Goyal stressed on the importance of ensuring vaccines at an affordable price to all, including less developed countries & poor, saying that this is going to be a collective responsibility of all of us. India will play an important role in ensuring cost-effective & innovative healthcare solutions for future, he added.
Shri Piyush Goyal also said that this common attempt to find a vaccine has really brought all of us together. The spirit of a common purpose will help us survive, adapt & enable us to overcome the serious pandemic, the world is facing. COVID has brought the world & humanity as one. The world today has come together to fight for a common cause.
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Election Commission
Election Commission unanimous that there should not be restriction on media reporting.
The Election Commission of India has taken note of recent narrative relating to its position in relation to media. The Commission has also come across certain press reports in the same regard. The Commission always has appropriate deliberations before any decisions are taken.
In the context of involvement of media, the Commission wishes to clarify that it stands sincerely committed to its faith in free media. The Commission as a whole and each one of its members recognise the positive role played by media in the conduct of all elections in the past and present and in strengthening electoral democracy in the country. The Election Commission was unanimous that before Hon’ble Supreme Court there should not be any prayer for restriction on media reporting.
The Commission very specially recognises media’s role in enhancing effectiveness of election management and in reinforcing transparency from the very beginning of election process till the end, including transparent coverage during all processes, campaigning and from polling station level to counting. ECI’s approach on the collaboration with media is that of a natural ally and remains unchanged.
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Ministry of Labour & Employment
Claim process under Atal Beemit Vyakti Kalyan Yojana further liberated
Atal Beemit Vyakti Kalyan Yojana of ESI Corporation provides relief in form of cash compensation to Insured Persons in the contingency of their unemployment. Presently under this Scheme 50% of average earning of the Insured Person ispaid for maximum 90 days in case of his unemployment subject to certain contributory conditions.
It was brought to the notice of ESIC that in some cases employers have struck off their employees from the rolls few months after actually terminating them from service. During this period, ESI contribution was also not filed by the employers for these employees in the system. As the relief under Atal Beemit Vyakti Kalyan Yojana is available only in case of unemployment of the Insured Persons, such. employees though terminated from service became ineligible for relief under this scheme.
The matter was reviewed and ESIC has now decided that in cases where the employer has shown "Zero" contribution in respect of an employee for some months before exiting him from the system, the relief under ABVKY for such period of "Zero" contribution, shall also be allowed. However, only those beneficiaries who have been exited from the rolls of the employer, shall be considered for payment of relief under ABVKY subject to fulfilment of other eligibility conditions.